WINTER DRILL

To the normal student the idea of drilling at 7.30 is not alluring; he does it because it is the only possible time he can spare and because he wants to do something to prepare himelf for future service. Yet yesterday and the day before showed that to drill without over-coats when the thermometer refuses to register is not too instructive and extremely uncomfortable. It is difficult to drill when all feelings except those of distinct pain have left the fingers.

We are sure that Sherman's definition of war was made in winter time. Then we have all terrors and hardships without pleasures; we freeze as though we were in Russia, yet we have no Germans to kill and thus get warm, nor will any one come along and put us out of our miseries. So we suffer. The one solace is to watch the band. That marvelous sound-producing organization is even more handicapped by cold than we. The instruments of brass are helpless in the breeze, the drums alone are audible above a sea of discord. The agony of the band is the one factor that prevents a regimental mutiny and how long they can keep down the surly private is hard to tell. What we want is heat and the only place to get it is in bed or in an armory; the former resort is forbidden and that leaves the armory. May it come soon!

Yet as we sit and meditate in this icy strain, we must admit there is a good side to this winter drill. It is extremely healthy and it wakes us up. Though a sacrifice, it has to be done, as going indoors is decidedly preventive of good military manoeuvres. We want to stay outdoors as long as we possibly can; it is the same and sensible though uncomfortable solution. We have started this drill and we will carry it through, ralic or shine, warm or cold. They do it at Devens, not for an hour, but for hours at a time. They have been doing it in Europe for three years, and we will be doing it over there with them as soon as we can.